自我
jiga[d͡ʑiɡa̠]
The Japanese word for ego is 自我 (jiga).
自我 refers to the part of the mind that represents a person's conscious sense of self. It is often used in psychological or philosophical contexts. You can use the phrase 自我が強い to describe someone as being self-centered or having a very strong sense of self. Additionally, the phrase 自我を失う is used to describe the act of losing one's consciousness or sense of identity.
Which one should you use?
While 自我 is used for the psychological concept of ego, the term 自尊心 is a formal term used when the focus is specifically on a person's self-esteem, pride or self-respect.
How do you pronounce it?
jiga
Did you know?
- While 自我 is the psychological term, Japanese speakers often use the English loanword エゴ to specifically describe selfishness or vanity.
- In Buddhist-influenced Japanese thought, the concept of 'no-self' or the absence of 自我 is a key spiritual goal.
- The term 自我 was popularized in Japan during the Meiji era as translators sought ways to render Western psychological concepts into kanji.
Examples in context
- よく「自我が強い」と言われます。I'm often told I have a strong ego.This sentence shows how to use 自我 to describe having a strong ego.Tatoeba #10938207 by small_snow, translation #12005443 by Winter
- 彼は自我を失うことを望んでいない。He doesn't want to lose his ego.This sentence illustrates the use of 自我 in the context of not wanting to lose one's sense of self.Tatoeba #13428282 by demiurgastel, translation #8429266 by Amastan
- 彼は非常に強い自我を持っています。He has a very strong ego.
- 彼女は自尊心が高く、自分に自信を持っています。She has high self-esteem and confidence in herself.
- 彼はエゴが強いとは言えないけれど、自分のことを大切にしています。While he doesn't have a strong ego, he values himself.
- 彼女は自我意識が強くて、自分の意見をよく主張します。She is strong-minded and often asserts her own opinions.
- 自我を確立することは大切だ。jiga o kakuritsu suru koto wa taisetsu da.It is important to establish one's ego.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing psychology at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren自我の研究に興味はある？jiga no kenkyuu ni kyoumi wa aru?Are you interested in the study of the ego?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、蓮さん。とても面白いです。hai, ren-san. totemo omoshiroi desu.Yes, Ren. It is very interesting.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんは心理学が得意そうだね。misaki-san wa shinrigaku ga tokui sou da ne.You seem to be good at psychology, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiいえ、まだまだ勉強中です。ie, madamada benkyouchuu desu.No, I am still studying.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 自我, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
